The Jasawa Community Development Association (JCDA) says more than 4,700 Muslims have died in various crises across Plateau State in the last 25 years. The group revealed the figures during a press conference in Jos. This renewed statement brings fresh attention to long-running concerns about Plateau Muslim killings and the need for justice.
JCDA Presents Records of Fatal Attacks
The National President of the association, Yawale Muhammad, said the group documented these deaths through verified reports and monitoring. He explained that the crises began decades ago and continued across several districts.
He highlighted the 2001 Jos crisis as one of the earliest major attacks. More than 700 Muslims reportedly died in that incident. Another outbreak occurred in 2002 during the Eto Baba attack, where hundreds more were killed.
The 2004 Yelwa-Shendam violence also caused heavy casualties. At least 700 people died in that episode alone. Post-election violence in 2008 added over 1,000 deaths, making it one of the deadliest years on record.
Most Deadly Incidents Recorded
Mr Muhammad said the 2010 attacks in places like Dutse Uku, Gero, and Kuru Jenta were among the worst. More than 2,000 people reportedly died in those coordinated assaults.
He also mentioned the 2011 Eid prayer ground attack on Rukuba Road, where 20 worshippers died. Some victims, he alleged, were even cannibalised.
In 2021, another major incident occurred on Rukuba Road. Hundreds of Muslim travellers returning from a condolence visit were killed.
The most recent case documented by the association is the 2025 attack in Mangu Local Government Area. Fourteen Muslim wedding guests travelling from Zaria died in the incident.
Call for Justice and Recognition
The group says mass graves from these crises still exist across various cemeteries in Plateau State. These include the Jos Zaria Road Cemetery, Narkuta Cemetery, Dadin Kowa Cemetery, and Yelwa-Shendam Cemetery.
Mr Muhammad said November 28 remains a day of remembrance for Muslim families affected by the unrest. He stressed that the group’s intention is not to raise tension but to place factual records before Nigeria and the world.
He urged both the Nigerian government and the international community to support honest dialogue, justice, and long-term peace in Plateau State.
